Looking for a hands-on STEM activity for children in Mankato? At EV: Charge Up, children can explore the technology behind electric vehicles through imaginative play, interactive graphics, and a simulated driving experience.
What Is EV: Charge Up?
In a motorized world, many children are curious about what powers the cars they see every day. While many kids are familiar with gas-powered cars, electric vehicles (EVs) offer another way to power a vehicle. As vehicle technology continues to evolve, this exhibit invites children and families to discover how EVs work.
Guests climb into a bright orange, child-sized EV parked in front of a scenic Minnesota backdrop and explore each step of the charging process. Inside the exhibit, kids will find:
- A child-sized electric vehicle they can climb into and “drive”
- A charging station that children can plug in themselves
- A battery-gauge dashboard whose indicator drops as children drive, prompting them to recharge
- A magnet-based community map that lets children steer toward real Mankato landmarks and charging stations
Why It’s Important
Electric vehicles use electricity stored in rechargeable batteries rather than gasoline. In this exhibit, children can explore how an EV battery is charged and learn that electricity can come from many different sources. Along the way, they will practice problem-solving, teamwork, and STEM thinking through play.
What to Expect at EV: Charge Up
EV: Charge Up puts children in the driver’s seat of the future, introducing them to the exciting technology behind electric vehicles.
Through interactive graphics, hands-on exploration, and a dynamic video experience, children will:
- Discover what powers an electric vehicle
- Learn where an EV’s battery is located
- Learn how energy is stored and used to help a vehicle move
- Recharge the vehicle when its battery level gets low
- Explore fun facts and colorful visuals along the way
As visitors engage with the exhibit, they can start the vehicle and take a simulated journey powered by its battery. A scenic backdrop, colorful visuals, and fun facts connect electric transportation to familiar places in the community.
A STEM Activity for Curious Children
Questions are a big part of learning. EV: Charge Up encourages children to wonder:
- What’s under the hood?
- Where does an electric vehicle store its energy?
- What happens when the battery needs to be charged?
- How does a vehicle move without a gas tank?
This exhibit creates opportunities to explore engineering, technology, and the science behind modern transportation. It is a fun activity for kids and families who enjoy building, testing ideas, asking questions, and learning through hands-on play.
Why Children Love This Exhibit
EV: Charge Up gives children a chance to investigate how a vehicle is powered, charged, and moved. Through play and discovery, they can connect big ideas in engineering and technology to a familiar experience: getting behind the wheel of a car!
Thank You to Our Exhibit Sponsors!
This exhibit wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the Olseth Family Foundation and Snell Motors. Their partnership helps the Museum create engaging experiences where children and families can explore new ideas, ask questions, and learn through play.
“We are proud to support an exhibit that introduces children to emerging technology in a way that is approachable, engaging, and fun,” said Melissa Bradley of Snell Motors. “The Children’s Museum creates meaningful opportunities for young learners to explore ideas that will shape their future, and we are excited to help bring this experience to families in our community.”
Jon Olseth of the Olseth Family Foundation added:
“Innovation begins with curiosity. By giving children opportunities to explore science, technology, and engineering through hands-on experiences, we are helping inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and thinkers.”
Plan Your Visit
Join us for the grand opening of EV: Charge Up on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:00am.
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
224 Lamm Street
Mankato, MN 56001
EV: Charge Up will be available for children to enjoy until November 3, 2026. It is a great addition to a family day out in Mankato, whether your child loves cars, building, science, technology, or simply discovering how things work.
Learn More about EV: Charge Up on Kato Living
Jaci Sprague, VP of Development at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota and Melissa Bradley, General Manager of Snell Motors sit down with Kato Living to discuss EV: Charge Up!
